Sharpening Woodworking Tools
Click here for a printer friendly version of Tip -
Pg.1-5, Pg. 6-10, Pg 11-15, Pg. 16-20, Pg. 21-25

Honing Shaper Cutters and Router Bits

It is a simple matter to remove the grinding burr from a shaper cutter left by the abrasive. To avoid changing the cutter's profile, do not hone its curved or beveled edges. Warning: Because of their size, router bits are not easily ground so it is recommended that these bits only be sharpened by honing the leading flat face.

To hone steel cutters and bits, start with a coarse hone (of any type) and progress to fine. To hone solid carbide or carbide tipped cutters and bits, you must use a diamond hone. As you progress, reduce the pressure applied to the hone.

Figure 24-44. Lay the flat face of the cutter on the surface of the hone and rub the cutter across it.

Lay the flat face of the cutter or bit on the flat top surface of the hone with the rest of the cutter overhanging the edge. Rub the cutter or bit up and down the hone (Figure 24-44). Be sure to hold the cutter flat against the surface of the hone while working it back and forth.

Count your honing strokes and hone each wing of the cutter or leading flat face of the bit an equal amount. This will assure equal metal removal and keep the cutter or bit properly balanced. The slight burr that may be created after the grinding burr is removed from the cutter will be knocked oft when the cutter first contacts the wood.

Continue to Honing Molder Knives
Back to Grinding Shaper Cutters